Former Super Eagles coach and Nigeria Football Federation technical director Augustine Eguavoen has thrown his weight behind Eric Chelle's squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Eguavoen believes the blend of European-based players and homegrown talent gives Nigeria a strong chance against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. He praised Chelle for the list of players invited for the two matches, saying the squad possesses the right mixture of experience from European clubs and players competing domestically.
Eguavoen highlighted Chelle's tactical approach, noting that the Franco-Malian coach has shown a willingness to adapt his game plan depending on the opposition. He added that the players are eager to represent Nigeria, which could give the Super Eagles an advantage as they begin their qualification campaign. According to Eguavoen, the combination of tactical flexibility and the players' eagerness to play could make all the difference in the upcoming matches.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen for both opening qualifiers after the striker was ruled out with a muscle injury. CAF reported that Osimhen is continuing his recovery after suffering the injury while playing for Galatasaray.
Despite the setback, Eguavoen remains confident in Nigeria's options and believes the squad has enough quality to navigate the opening fixtures successfully. He noted that the current squad has a good balance of experience and youthful energy, which could prove crucial in the qualifying campaign. Eguavoen's backing is a boost to Chelle's team as they prepare to face tough opponents in the qualifiers.
Chelle's 24-man squad contains a mixture of established internationals and new faces, with Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, and George Ilenikhena receiving their first senior call-ups. The inclusion of new players is expected to bring fresh energy to the team, while the experienced players will provide leadership and guidance. Eguavoen believes this blend will serve the team well in the upcoming matches.
Eguavoen's confidence in the squad is shared by some fans, who believe that the team has the potential to make a strong impact in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles have a rich history in African football, and fans are eager to see the team succeed in the upcoming campaign. With Eguavoen's backing and Chelle's tactical approach, the team is expected to give a good account of themselves against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will face a tough challenge in the qualifiers, but Eguavoen believes that the team has what it takes to make progress. He emphasized that the team's success will depend on the players' ability to work together and execute Chelle's game plan. With the right mindset and approach, Eguavoen is confident that the Super Eagles can achieve their goals in the qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Eguavoen backs Chelle's squad for AFCON qualifiers
- Super Eagles face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in qualifiers
- Victor Osimhen ruled out with muscle injury
